Document N2wJ7aGG79GjL8mmQ8jOK1ybw

bcc: Paul Benignus April 26, 1966 Mr. Alvin W. Crow Quarterman Maintenance Public Works Department U. s. Naval Station Kodiak, Alaska Dear Mr. Crow: Your letter of April 15th has been referred to me for repljr. * I have enclosed a booklet which describes fire resistant transformer fluids which have the generic name "Askarel." You will note on page 2 and page 3 of the enclosed Askarel Guide that there are several commercial or trademark types of formulations, seme of which are described in tables 1 and 2. Chemically these transformer fluids are mixtures of chlorinated diphenyl and trichloro and/or tetrachlorobenzene. The history of the manufacturing, handling and use of these products dates back approximately 30 years. In that time there have been no cases of serious illness or toxic effects when simple precautions to avoid exposures have been followed. In the case of chlorinated diphenyls, a Hygienic Oulde has been published by the American Industrial Hygiene Association for the materials containing 420 and 54 chlorine. The diphenyl in Askarel is diphenyl chlorinated to 60%. The toxicity characteristics then are believed to be similar to the 54)1 chlorinated material. The hazard (as differentiated from toxicity) is less in handling the bojfc material since it is less volatile than the materials with lower degrees of chlorination. The vapors from transformer Askarel are somewhat toxic and should not be breathed continuously over a prolonged period of time. With the fluid at room temperature we would expect that there would be some odor of the fluid. The level or concentration which is barely detectable by smell should not be hazardous. On the other hand, if the fluid is heated and vapors which are liberated are allowed to accumulate in an OSW 020288 STLCOPCB4008217 Hr. Alvin V. Crow April 26, 1966 unventilated room or area, the concentration oould become significant. In general, people can datact a coocantra tion in the amount of 0.5 to 1.0 og par cubic meter of air which la regarded aa the cafe workroom limit for an 8-hour dally expoeure (5 days a week, week in and week out). Tranaforner Aakarel accidentally aplllad 00 the akin doea not present an aoute toxioity hasard nor will it cause serious irritation. It should be removed from the skin by washing with soap and water, however, because repeated and prolonged exposure nay lead to drying and chapping of the akin because of the "solvent notion" of the fluid -- whioh night be oonpared to the drying of the skin from using paint remover or many other solvents in a careless fashion. Vapors released in high concentrations whan the fluid is heated will causa eye irritation. It is pointed out on page 5 of the enclosed Askarel Quids that typical opthalmlo solutions or ointments for relieving pain in the eyes may be used after flushing the eyes with large amounts of water. Long range accumulative effects from exposure to Askarel fluids would not be expected unless workmen were exposed to high levels of vapors a number of hours a day, day in and day out or allowed the material to rawsin on the skin for prolonged periods of time and at frequent and repeated intervals. Exoessive vapor inhallatlon or skin contact can lead to an effect on the liver as is the ease with many chlorinated hydrocarbons. Ms have never heard of such effects in workers installing, repairing or servicing transformers, however. If exhaust ventilation oannot be provided to remove the vapors released by leaks, the work men should be provided with respiratory protection equipment if repairs and servicing are required in an area where the vapors are irritating the eyes and nose or throat. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to let os know. Very truly yours. 11J /\ HWtmJb R. Esmet Kelly, N.P. Medical Director Enel. Askarel booklet Hygienic Quide "Chlorodiphenyls DSW 020289 STLCOPCB4008218